Observations Regarding INTERACT II Cathy Kush, DNP(c), GNP-BC

2 Why is INTERACT II Important to LTC? Hospitalized elderly may experience iatrogenic complications, morbidity and excess healthcare expenditures. Avoidable hospitalizations are common among long-stay residents.

3 Why is INTERACT II Important to LTC? Some LTC facilities do not have the capacity to safely evaluate and manage changes in condition of clinically complex individuals. Demographic trends indicate the increasing need for health care services that are specific to elderly especially in the LTC setting.

4 Why is INTERACT II Important to LTC? Individuals in LTC have chronic conditions and associated functional and/or cognitive limitations. In some instances insufficient primary care or post acute care needs are addressed can directly affect the incidence of frequent hospitalizations.

5 Why is INTERACT II Important to LTC? The decision to hospitalize may depend on the resources available in the LTC setting.

6 Why is INTERACT II Important to LTC? “The ability of nursing homes to manage the increasing clinical complexity of the residents they serve and to prevent the acute exacerbations of chronic conditions that trigger hospitalizations are integral to providing quality care” (Intrator, Zinn, & Mor, 2004, p. 1730).

7 Why is INTERACT II Important to LTC? Implementation of INTERACT II can significantly impact this.

8 Observations Improved communication within the facility and with family members Increased confidence in the staff and interactions with physician, NP, family Empowerment Heightened clinical skills Increased knowledge

9 Observations Improved documentation Enhanced communication with outside care providers (i.e. hospital/ER, on call health care providers) Improved care Reduced hospitalizations Facilitates conversations with family/POA regarding advance directives

10 Final Thoughts With improved care, communication and reduction of hospitalizations there is an impact financially for both the LTC facilities and the acute care settings, implementation of evidence based practices, and focused care specific to the geriatric population.